Matsumoto Castle (in Japanese: 松本城 Matsumoto Jou) is one of Japan's premier castles that stands in the city of Matsumoto Japan. "Premier" means that it is one of only three "Original" castles still standing in Japan, the other two being Himeji and Kumamoto. Before the castle was built a "fortress / stronghold" was built called "Fukashi Castle". No one quite knows what happened to that castle but later on another Daimyou (King) and his son started to build Matsumoto Castle. It is believed much of the castle was completed by 1593–94. The castle actually never saw any "action" or threats against it (probably because it is so massive and has excellent defenses) but throughout time various clans and their Daimyou ruled the Matsumoto area from within the great castle. The "Main Keep" (in Japanese: "tenshukaku") maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. Matsumoto Castle is a "flatland castle" (and not a "hill top" castle) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto Castle from across the moat in Matsumoto Japan copyright Solquente(License)

After the Meiji Restoration In 1872, most ALL of the castles were ordered to be destroyed (most sold at auction so that they could be destroyed and the land could be used for redevelopment). However, luckily for Matsumoto Caste, when news broke that the keep was going to be demolished, an influential figure from Matsumoto, Ichikawa Ryouzou, along with residents from Matsumoto, campaigned to save it and they did!